I survived the hunt, and am safely at home looking forward to falling into the bed. My group of 4 managed to bag 2 toms. Not bad, but should have been at least 3 out of 4. The weather was absolutely perfect, but the birds weren't exactly cooperative. I guess I don't have anything to complain about. We were on toms every morning and evening. I got within 100 yards of the tom my buddy took this morning yesterday morning 3 different times, but he wasn't interested in anything I had to say. Let me just say Run'N'Gun hunting in that terrain has me whooped. We roosted him last night, set up on him at 4:30 this morning, and were back at camp by 6:00am with him in the truck with us. Short and sweet.

We started the first morning off great. One of my buddies and I were on 2 hot toms at 5:00am. We closed to within 200 yards and set up because it was really open. I gave 'em every call I had, and some of the best cutting and cackling I think I've ever done. I threw the old slapping the hat on the leg for added effects. 5 minutes later and he was on a rope coming into the set-up. At 25 yards, he stops in the old skidder road, and struts and spit-n-drums for us for a few minutes. He is only 35 yards from my buddy. I have to wait for him to come from behind a small sappling. He doesn't, and starts to get antsy when the hen doesn't come to him. That's when my buddy pops him. Man that was an awesome way to start the hunt. I put in lots of legwork, but had a great time. Wayne and Wash have hunted the area I was in. It gets STEEEEEEP in places, and that's where I seemed to stay most of the trip.

Wayne, I'm glad you stopped by this morning so I could finally meet you. And yes I was/am worn slap out, so I'm sorry I wasn't my normal cheery self. I sincerely hope I wasn't rude. Next time I promise I'll be in better spirits and more social. I've never hunted that hard for any critter. Several days of 3-4 hours of sleep and lots of miles can do that to you. We are all planning to come back next spring, and you are invited for dinner whichever evening you can get free. Me and the other fellas would like it if we could get together with you for a hunt next year. Keep it in mind.

I'm glad to be home, but I hate that my season is coming to a close again without filling my tag. Those are the breaks though. I'd still consider my season a success. My buddy bagged a bird that I put in his lap, and I spent some time outdoors watching mother nature at her finest. I'll get 'em next year.


Hunt hard, live right, and tell your kids you love 'em!